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" What is Timodine\u00A0used for?  Infection and inflammation between folds of skin due to overgrowth of Candida albicans, eg infected nappy rash, itching of the anus and vagina, infected dermatitis and eczema.   How does Timodine\u00A0work? Timodine cream contains four active ingredients, hydrocortisone, nystatin, benzalkonium chloride and dimeticone. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses.  Hydrocortisone is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and thus relieves swelling, redness and itching. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. It is used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis.  Nystatin is an antifungal medicine that kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by binding to a substance called ergosterol, which is a component of fungal cell membranes. Binding to ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As nystatin causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi.  Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic agent which is used to kill bacteria in mild infections of the skin. Dimeticone is a water repellant silicone fluid, which puts a barrier between the skin and any moisture. This helps reduce the growth of fungi.  The combination of medicines in Timodine cream is used to treat inflamed skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis and nappy rash, that are infected with the fungus Candida albicans. This occurs between folds of skin or areas of skin that rub together, eg between the buttocks or thighs, or beneath the breasts, and is due to overgrowth of Candida species of fungi in these warm, moist areas. The nystatin in this medicine kills the fungi causing these infections, while the hydrocortisone reduces the associated inflammation and relieves redness, swelling and itching. Important information about Timodine  Timodine cream\u00A0is for external use on the skin\u00A0only. This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s) of skin as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated. Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes. Avoid prolonged use on the face. If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor. This medicine should not be used in infants for longer than seven days. Consult your doctor if any infection spreads, or if after seven days of treatment with this medicine there is little or no improvement in your symptoms, as you may need to stop using this medicine or take a course of antibiotics by mouth.  Timodine should not\u00A0be used in  Acne rosacea. Bacterial skin infections. Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis). Viral skin infections such as chickenpox or herpes simplex.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information. This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.  Possible side effects of Timodine Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Worsening of symptoms.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer.\u00A0For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it&amp;#039;s necessary they&amp;#039;ll report it for you. You can also report side effects yourself using the yellow card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. How can Timodine affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe. If you are using other medicines or moisturisers\u00A0on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing on the skin. Other medicines containing the same active ingredients There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain hydrocortisone, nystatin, benzalkonium chloride and dimeticone as the active ingredients. Further reading For background information about our medicine factsheets, including the references used to produce them, click here. Last updated 11.01.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a7654/timodine-cream/>